The Government of Canada Divests Wharf in Percé to Province of Quebec

The Government of Canada Divests Wharf in Percé to Province of Quebec

Posted on: July 12, 2018 7:52 am

July 12, 2018

Percé, Quebec = Coastal communities across Canada are supported by small craft harbours that provide the commercial fishing industry with safe and accessible facilities. With approximately 44,000 Canadians employed in this sector, the Government of Canada is making investments to renew its network of small craft harbours and work with municipalities and other stakeholders where investments and divestitures can enhance local communities.

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie — Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, on behalf of the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard, announced that the Government of Canada is transferring ownership of this property to the Government of Quebec.

A key objective of the Small Craft Harbours program is to transfer ownership of harbours that are not widely used by fishers, or that are used primarily for recreational boating and tourism.

The port facilities in Percé are mainly used for tourism purposes. As part of this transfer of ownership, the Government of Canada will proceed with upgrading the wharf before the Québec government becomes the official owner.

Consultations with the federal, provincial and the City of Percé will continue in the coming weeks. These consultations aim to finalize the project’s scope in order to restore moorings and to make the facilities safe for its users. These infrastructure improvements will support tourism, benefit local businesses and the region as a whole.

Once the final scope is confirmed, plans and specifications will be prepared so the work can take place as quickly as possible. The transfer of port facilities to the Government of Quebec should be completed by March 31, 2020.

Quotes

“I’m really pleased to announce the repairs and divestiture of the wharf in Percé. The agreement reached with the Province of Quebec will ensure the wharf remains a fundamental part of the city’s identity, and continues to serve as a gathering place for tourists and the entire community. The work carried out will not only renew and maintain the infrastructure that is essential to the region, but also stimulate job opportunities that will support our community.”

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie — Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine

“Repairing and divesting facilities such as the wharf in Percé is important because it allows us to focus on providing safe and functional harbours that support the commercial fishing industry. We will continue to work diligently to transfer ownership of recreational and non-core fishing harbours to third parties for the benefit of the local community.”

The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

“The city of Percé is pleased with today’s announcement to divest the wharf in Percé to the Province of Quebec. It is a great relief to see that all levels of government agree and recognize the importance of this infrastructure for the community, users and the entire regional tourism industry. “

Cathy Poirier, Mayor, Percé

Quick facts

The Government of Canada is investing $250 million over two years to renew its network of small craft harbours and work with municipalities and other stakeholders to enhance local communities, economies and foster job creation.

This is in addition to $100 million that will be invested in 2018-19 for repairs, maintenance, construction, and dredging at core commercial fishing harbours across Canada

The mandate of the Small Craft Harbours Program is to keep harbours critical to the commercial fishing industry open and in good repair.

The Small Craft Harbours Program also aims to transfer ownership and operation of recreational harbors to interested third parties who are best placed to operate them effectively and responsively to the needs of the local economy.

Since 1995, Fisheries and Oceans Canada has successfully divested over 1,100 ports across the country.

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